Reference: Peter, Second Epistle of
Easton
The question of the authenticity of this epistle has been much discussed, but the weight of evidence is wholly in favour of its claim to be the production of the apostle whose name it bears. It appears to have been written shortly before the apostle's death (1:14). This epistle contains eleven references to the Old Testament. It also contains (3:15, 16) a remarkable reference to Paul's epistles. Some think this reference is to 1Th 4:13-5:11. A few years ago, among other documents, a parchment fragment, called the "Gospel of Peter," was discovered in a Christian tomb at Akhmim in Upper Egypt. Origen (obiit A.D. 254), Eusebius (obiit 340), and Jerome (obiit 420) refer to such a work, and hence it has been concluded that it was probably written about the middle of the second century. It professes to give a history of our Lord's resurrection and ascension. While differing in not a few particulars from the canonical Gospels, the writer shows plainly that he was acquinted both with the synoptics and with the Gospel of John. Though apocryphal, it is of considerable value as showing that the main facts of the history of our Lord were then widely known.
Hastings
This Epistle cannot rank with 1Peter as a Christian classic; indeed, very many would agree with J
See Verses Found in Dictionary
"All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. read more. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation."
Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. read more. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but to others it is given in parables, so that 'Seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'
"No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light.
men fainting from fear and foreboding of what is coming on the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. read more. Now when these things begin to take place, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go." This he said to show by what death he would glorify God. And after this he said to him, "Follow me."
Repent therefore, and turn again, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, read more. whom heaven must receive until the time for establishing all that God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from long ago.
Or do you presume upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
in their ways are ruin and misery,
"There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield yourselves to God as men who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments of righteousness.
What if God, choosing to show his wrath and to make his power known, endured with much patience the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
so that he may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen exiles in the Dispersion, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,
to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, kept in heaven for you,
As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you inquired and searched carefully, seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. read more. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaventhings into which angels long to look. Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober in spirit, set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
but as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth for a sincere love of the brethren, love one another earnestly from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
and, "A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall;" they stumble because they disobey the wordas they were desstined to do.
For it is God's will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.
But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ and a partaker in the glory that is to be revealed,
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, and strengthen you.
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:
Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence.
His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence.
His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence.
His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence.
His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence. By these he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and become partakers of the divine nature.
By these he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and become partakers of the divine nature.
By these he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and become partakers of the divine nature.
By these he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and become partakers of the divine nature.
By these he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and become partakers of the divine nature. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge,
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge,
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge,
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge,
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness,
and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness,
and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness,
and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness,
and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness,
and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love.
and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these things is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
For whoever lacks these things is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
For whoever lacks these things is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
For whoever lacks these things is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall;
Therefore, brethren, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall;
Therefore, brethren, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall;
Therefore, brethren, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall; so there will be an entrance richly provided for you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
so there will be an entrance richly provided for you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
so there will be an entrance richly provided for you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
so there will be an entrance richly provided for you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.
Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.
Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.
Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,
I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,
I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,
I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,
I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting aside of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
since I know that the putting aside of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
since I know that the putting aside of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.
since I know that the putting aside of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will see to it that after my departure you will be able at any time to call these things to mind.
And I will see to it that after my departure you will be able at any time to call these things to mind.
And I will see to it that after my departure you will be able at any time to call these things to mind.
And I will see to it that after my departure you will be able at any time to call these things to mind. For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain.
We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
And we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
And we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
And we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
And we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
And we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation,
First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation,
First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation,
First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation,
First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation,
First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by the act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
for no prophecy was ever made by the act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
for no prophecy was ever made by the act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
for no prophecy was ever made by the act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
for no prophecy was ever made by the act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
for no prophecy was ever made by the act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
And many will follow their licentiousness, and because of them the way of truth will be reviled.
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;
(for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds),
(for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds),
whereas angels, though greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord.
suffering wrong for their wrongdoing. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you. They have eyes full of adultery, that never cease from sin; they entice unstable souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! read more. Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his own transgression by a donkeya beast without speechwho spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness. These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm; for them the blackest darkness has been reserved.
These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm; for them the blackest darkness has been reserved. For speaking out arrogant words of vanity, they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error.
For speaking out arrogant words of vanity, they entice by fleshly desires, by sensuality, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for whatever overcomes a man, to that he is enslaved.
They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of corruption; for whatever overcomes a man, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. read more. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.
For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them.
For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A dog turns back to its own vomit," and, "A sow, after having washed, returns to wallowing in the mire."
This is now the second letter that I have written to you, beloved, and in both of them I have aroused your sincere mind by way of reminder;
This is now the second letter that I have written to you, beloved, and in both of them I have aroused your sincere mind by way of reminder; that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken through your apostles. read more. First of all you must understand this, that scoffers will come in the last days, with scoffing, following their own lusts
They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and by means of water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being deluged with water. read more. But by the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
But by the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. read more. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with fire, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with fire, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with fire, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy lives and godliness,
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy lives and godliness,
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy lives and godliness,
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy lives and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and the elements will melt with intense heat!
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and the elements will melt with intense heat!
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and the elements will melt with intense heat!
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and the elements will melt with intense heat!
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to his promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.
But according to his promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by him in peace, spotless and blameless.
Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by him in peace, spotless and blameless. And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you. read more. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. And you hold fast to my name, and did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, to eat food sacrificed to idols and to practice sexual immorality. read more. So you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore, or else I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna. And I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone which no one knows except him who receives it.' "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: 'These are the words of the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and whose feet are like burnished bronze: I know your works, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that your works are now more than at the first. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and beguiling my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her immorality. So I will cast her on a sickbed, and I will throw those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of her ways. And I will strike her children dead. And all the churches shall know that I am he who searches minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works. But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I will not lay upon you any other burden;
Morish
The object of this epistle appears to be primarily the confirmation of the minds of Jewish believers in the certainty of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have in it the only record by an eye-witness of what took place on the Mount of Transfiguration. This vision made more sure the word of prophecy to which saints did well in taking heed, as to a light shining in a dark place, till the day dawned, and the day-star arose in their hearts.
But before the kingdom could be displayed, it was necessary that the corruption of Christianity, which had already set in, should be complete and the course and climax of this corruption are vividly portrayed in 2 Peter 2. It originated in false teachers privily bringing in destructive heresies, denying the Lord that bought them. The development of this evil is viewed in the light of wickedness (rather than of apostasy, as in the Epistle of Jude), as that which is specially obnoxious to the government of God. While in Jude the gainsaying of Core is shown to be the culminating point of apostasy, here the incitement to abominable wickedness by Balaam is before the mind of the Spirit, indicating how corrupting the influence of those who held the place of 'prophet' would become.
In the concluding part of the epistle (2 Peter 3) we have also the closing phase of unbelief (perhaps Jewish), namely, scepticism, built up on the assumed unchangeability of the creation, as to the coming of the day of the Lord. And this becomes the occasion of the apostle's leading the minds of the saints beyond the thoughts of the kingdom to that which, resting on perfect moral foundations, is eternal and unchangeable. The day of the Lord was a means to an and, and would make way for the day of God, and the fulfilment of His promise of new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness would reside, and in view of which the existing heavens and earth would pass away. Saints, knowing these things before, were not to fall from their stedfastness, but to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Smith
Peter, Second Epistle of.
The following is a brief outline of the contents of this epistle: The customary opening salutation is followed by an enumeration of Christian blessings and exhortation to Christian duties.
Referring then to his approaching death, the apostle assigns as grounds of assurance for believers his own personal testimony as eye-witness of the transfiguration and the sure word of prophecy--that is the testimony of the Holy Ghost. vs.
The danger of being misled by false prophets is dwelt upon with great earnestness throughout the second chapter, which is almost identical in language and subject with the Epistle of Jude. The overthrow of all opponents of Christian truth is predicted in connection with prophecies touching the second advent of Christ, the destruction of the world by fire, and the promise of new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. ch. 3. This epistle of Peter presents questions of difficulty. Doubts as to its genuineness were entertained by the early Church; in the time of Eusebius it was reckoned among the disputed books, and was not formally admitted into the canon until the year 393, at the Council of Hippo. These difficulties, however, are insufficient to justify more than hesitation in admitting its ,genuineness. A majority of names may be quoted in support of the genuineness and authenticity of this epistle. (It is very uncertain as to the time when it was written. It was written near the close of Peter's life--perhaps about A.D. 68--from Rome or somewhere on the journey thither from the East --Alford.)
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Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. read more. His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and excellence. By these he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and become partakers of the divine nature. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these things is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall; so there will be an entrance richly provided for you into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting aside of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will see to it that after my departure you will be able at any time to call these things to mind. For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by the act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.